This book, Clear and Simple as the Truth, takes a much different view. The authors argue that there are many styles for writers to choose from – including contemplative, classic, romantic, plain, oratorical, practical, and diplomatic. This book focuses primarily on the classic style – its history, conventions, philosophy, and features. An example of the classic style is “We hold these truths to be self-evident . . .” People who write in the classic style are interested in identifying “truths” that everyone can recognize. Conventions of this style include being focused, assured, clear, and not at all interested in discussing ambiguities.
Thomas, Franci-Noel and Mark Turner. Clear and Simple as the Truth: Writing Classic Prose. Princeton University Press, 1994, p. 72.